Breaking News: Alexander Hamilton

Drawing on historical newspapers from the collection of Antonia M. Chambers, this exhibition highlights important life events and accomplishments of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, who played a role in bringing the U.S. capital to Washington, D.C.

Organized in cooperation with the Albert H. Small Center for National Capital Area Studies.

In March 1791, Congress passed Alexander Hamilton’s plan for a National Bank, printed in detail here. Gazette of the United States, Philadelphia, Pa., March 2, 1791. Collection of Antonia M. Chambers. Photo by PaperLoves Conservation, LLC.

Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton’s end of year report for 1791 showed that his plan to tax imported goods was working to reduce the public debt incurred from the Revolutionary War. Columbian Sentinel, Boston, Mass., February 8, 1792. Collection of Antonia M. Chambers. Photo by PaperLoves Conservation, LLC.

This paper contains the deathbed report, funeral details, and eulogies for Alexander Hamilton, who died on July 12, 1804, from wounds sustained in a duel with Aaron Burr the previous day. Boston Centinel, Boston, Mass., July 18, 1804. Collection of Antonia M. Chambers. Photo by PaperLoves Conservation, LLC.

This short piece celebrates Eliza Hamilton’s achievements following her husband’s death: She worked to publish Alexander Hamilton’s letters and founded the first private orphanage in New York City. Rural Repository, Hudson, N.Y., February 17, 1849. Collection of Antonia M. Chambers. Photo by PaperLoves Conservation, LLC.

In March 1791, Congress passed Alexander Hamilton’s plan for a National Bank, printed in detail here. Gazette of the United States, Philadelphia, Pa., March 2, 1791. Collection of Antonia M. Chambers. Photo by PaperLoves Conservation, LLC.

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Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton’s end of year report for 1791 showed that his plan to tax imported goods was working to reduce the public debt incurred from the Revolutionary War. Columbian Sentinel, Boston, Mass., February 8, 1792. Collection of Antonia M. Chambers. Photo by PaperLoves Conservation, LLC.

This paper contains the deathbed report, funeral details, and eulogies for Alexander Hamilton, who died on July 12, 1804, from wounds sustained in a duel with Aaron Burr the previous day. Boston Centinel, Boston, Mass., July 18, 1804. Collection of Antonia M. Chambers. Photo by PaperLoves Conservation, LLC.

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This short piece celebrates Eliza Hamilton’s achievements following her husband’s death: She worked to publish Alexander Hamilton’s letters and founded the first private orphanage in New York City. Rural Repository, Hudson, N.Y., February 17, 1849. Collection of Antonia M. Chambers. Photo by PaperLoves Conservation, LLC.

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Rural Repository, Hudson, New York, February 17, 1849. Photo by William Atkins / The George Washington University.